ROSWELL, N.M. — On Wednesday, New Mexico emergency crews responded to an explosion that occurred in a fireworks’ storage area near the Roswell International Air Center around 12:15 p.m.

According to the New Mexico State Police, there were a dozen firefighters inside at the time of the explosion and there were numerous injuries, including two with serious injuries. 

Eric Finley, a spokesperson for University Medical Center, confirmed two firefighters from the incident had been transported to UMC. However, he could not confirm details about their condition. 

According to a NMSP press release, the firefighters were packing fireworks for the Fourth of July when the explosion occurred, and they are still investigating the cause. 

In a press conference, NMSP said several agencies responded to help assist with the scene, including the FBI and the ATF. 

The following is a press release from the NMSP:

On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at approximately 12:15 p.m., the New Mexico State Police was dispatched to the Roswell Industrial Air Center in Roswell, New Mexico in reference to a large explosion.

New Mexico State Police learned that the Roswell Fire Department was packaging fireworks for the upcoming 4th of July community display when the explosion occurred. There were 12 firefighters inside the building when the explosion occurred. Two Firefighters were air-lifted to a trauma center for life threatening injuries. Ten firefighters were treated on scene for minor injuries.

Roswell Fire Department, Roswell Police Department, FBI, and ATF are assisting New Mexico State Police. State Fire Marshal is in route to the scene.

The cause of fire is still under investigation. New Mexico State Police is asking the public to avoid the area. To protect the privacy of victims and their families the names of the hospitals treating the injured will not be released by State Police. No other information is available at this time.

The following are social media posts from a couple of sources in the area: 

We will continue to update this story if and when new information is released.